Understanding Fundamentalism & Evangelicalism » (Reprinted)

In this historical overview of American fundamentalism and evangelicalism, Marsden provides an introduction to the growing religious movements and a deeper analysis of two themes that have been especially prominent and controversial in these traditions—views of science and views of politics.

Library Journal

Marsden (American church history, Duke Univ.), who is considered an expert on fundamentalism, here looks at the interrelated movements of fundamentalism and evangelicalism. Part 1 gives a readable and informative overview of the rise of fundamentalism from 1870 on. It then examines evangelicalism as a separate phenomenon. Part 2 deals primarily with the views held by these groups on politics and science with a special analysis of why creation science is so important to them. This section also includes a close look at the career of J. Gresham Machen, a controversial fundamentalist scholar of the early 20th century. The author is especially good at showing the development of the conservative versus liberal controversy and the surprising appeal of modern fundamentalism for our technological age. Anyone who is interested in understanding this rapidly growing element in today's society will want to read this excellent analysis. Recommended for academic and public libraries.-- C. Robert Nixon, M.L.S., Lafayette, Ind.

Introduction: Defining Fundamentalism and Evangelicalism

PART ONE: HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

1. The Protestant Crisis and the Rise of Fundamentalism, 1870-1930
2. Evangelicalism since 1930: Unity and Diversity

PART TWO: INTERPRETATIONS

3. Evangelical Politics: An American Tradition
4. Preachers of Paradox: Fundamentalist Politics in Historical Perspective
5. The Evangelical Love Affair with Enlightenment Science
6. Why Creation Science?
7. Understanding J. Gresham Machen

Index